Frequently Asked Questions
About Your Trip
What kind of clothing is best for North America?
Most useful will be clothing that can be worn in layers; i.e. walking trousers, shorts, light shirts and sweatshirts or jumpers. If you have a choice, a fleece jumper and waterproof jacket are much better than bulky/heavyweight sweaters/ jackets. It will be cold in the evenings in June and September, whilst it can be warm during the day.
Dan Cockburn - Product Manager
What is the walking like in the national parks?
The trails vary a great deal, as in the more developed parks the trails are well maintained and defined, although often rocky, whilst in the remote parks we might be following a sandy, rocky creek bed or hike cross country over open desert terrain. Crossing shallow streams or wading through a creek (Zion) can be expected. Most of the walking is at moderate altitudes and therefore should not cause any altitude-related
problems.
Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations
What standard of hotels will we be staying in?
Our hotels and cabins are generally centrally located but at times, due to economic and space considerations, they are located thirty minutes from the park gates. Some of the hotels provide luxuries such as pools (generally, open only in summer months) and spas, perfect for relaxation after an active day in the outdoors.
Accommodation within the parks is either non-existent or limited. As a result we stay just out side the parks.
Dan Cockburn - Product Manager
What is the weather like in the western USA?
The West is known for its very dry spring, summer and autumn weather and outstanding blue, sunny skies. Being as far south as southern Europe and Northern Africa, temperatures are normally much warmer than in Northern Europe. However, temperatures vary greatly depending on the elevation you are at, generally, the higher the elevation, the cooler the temperature and time of year.
Spring and autumn will offer perfect hiking days in the deserts, and cooler days at higher elevations.
On warmer days during the peak summer months, the leader may opt for early morning and late afternoon walks, leaving time for mid-day rest. Please note the hottest time of day in the deserts is actually 3 pm.
In the summer months you should be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.
In the winter daytime temperatures can drop below freezing and there may be snowfall. Most nights will be mild to warm during the summer but in the winter it will be cold at night, it can be below freezing with snow.
Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations
USA Specific Questions
I'm travelling via the US, do I need a visa?
Most clients are eligible to travel via the US under the US Visa Waiver Programme, however to do this you must register for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). This must be done prior to departure - more details can be found at www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa.
Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations
Walking & Trekking Specific Questions
Walking and Trekking Grades guide
You can view the Grading System for our Walking & Trekking programme online.
Not Found What You're Looking For?
Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help
All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!


